CORNHUSKER'S BREEDERS &
OPEN BARREL FUTURITY

The Cornhusker Breeders and Open Barrel Futurity was founded in 2003 by Marlene McGaughey. Cristi Gaffney had told her a few years earlier that if she ever decided to retire that she would be interested in taking over the reins. In 2019, Marlene called, and the two ladies came to an agreement for to purchase the event. Cristi officially took charge in December of 2019. Prior to the Cornhusker, Nebraska had a futurity in Broken Bow since the mid 1990’s it was initially ran by Carolyn McClain and Judy Gracy. They put the event on for the Custer County Fairboard. Then Ronda Hilker put the event on for 2 years under the name Sunrise Breeders.  Cristi intends to grow the event while maintaining its great history and bring the best of barrel racing to Nebraska! 

In 2023, the Cornhusker Breeders and Open Futurity moved its location from Broken Bow, Nebraska to McCook, Nebraska.  The event is now being held at the Red Willows Fairground (Kiplinger Arena).  For more information on the arena and fairgrounds, Red Willows Fairground.

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We continue to work hard to make our event fun and family friendly. Our free BBQ will be held on Saturday night again this year in 2024. We would love for you to join us so we can thank you and introduce you.